During the operations against Pakistan in December, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Bharat Bhushan Soni was serving with Fighter Squadron. During an enemy air raid on the airfield he took off and engaged one F-104 aircraft after it had attacked the airfield. He flew his aircraft at almost supersonic speed at low level and shot down the enemy aircraft.

In this action, Flight Lieutenant Bharat Bhushan Soni displayed gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty of a high order.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has been on the posted strength of a frontline supersonic squadron since 15th May, 1980. Assuming the responsibilities of a Senior Flight Commander he has constantly strived to improve the operational potential of the Squadron. He ensured that the equipment of the squadron to an advanced variant of MiG21 was expeditiously executed. Further, he organized and planned the squadron flying training in a systematic manner. As a tangible result of his carefully drafted training programme, 10 pilots were progressively to fully operational day and night status in the shortest possible time span possible. He was chiefly instrumental in achieving a record output of over 1700 hours of Squadron flying in little over eight months.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni was commissioned in May, 1965, and he stood first in his course for which he was awarded the Chief of Staff Medal. In subsequent professional courses such as Junior Commander's Course and Fighter Combat Leader's Course, he continued to maintain his top rank. For his flying skill of high order and excellent marksmanship in air to ground weaponry, he was awarded 'Jam Sataj Trophy' and 'Moolgavkar Trophy' respectively during the FCL Course. For professional competence, he was selected to instruct on the staff of the prestigious institution, Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. In recognition of his professional skill and Service, he was awarded commendation by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief 1 (Operational) Group, Indian Air Force, in February, 1976 and by the Chief of the Air Staff in August, 1976. His combat skill was amply demonstrated in Indo-Pak war of 1971 when he shot down a supersonic F­104 Star Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force. For this act of conspicuous gallantry he was awarded Vir Chakra by the President.

Squadron Leader Bharat Bhushan Soni has thus displayed high professional competence and exceptional devotion to duty.